Play “Simply Maria” Opens

LOS ANGELES, CA – On Friday, May 25, Watts Village Theater Company (WVTC) will open its first mainstage production since Ochre & Onyx in 2009, “Simply Maria, Or The American Dream” by Josefina Lόpez. The production involves collaboration between WVTC and Green Dot Public Schools, in which WVTC is professionally directing, designing and managing the production and 30 Ánimo Watts Charter High School students are participating as cast and crew. This is the first theatre production for Ánimo Watts students, who have seen their arts programs cut during these difficult economic times and have persevered through this unique partnership.

“Simply Maria, Or The American Dream” by Josefina Lόpez is a wildly funny play that tells the story of Maria, a young Latina aspiring to be an actress, and her ultimate realization that she has to go to college to be economically independent and have the life that she
wants. The playwright, Josefina Lόpez, will be in attendance during the Opening performance Friday, May 25 and will participate in a talk-back with the audience afterwards.

This production is produced by special arrangement with THE DRAMATIC PUBLISHING COMPANY of Woodstock, Illinois, and the initiative that this project is based on is made possible through the support of the California Community Foundation’s (CCF’s) Preparing Achievers for Tomorrow (PAT) initiative. PAT is a five-year, $12 million initiative
of the CCF to improve academic achievement, decision-making skills and self-esteem of youth in South Los Angeles through sports, music and recreation. PAT provides grants to nonprofits for direct services for young people and helps strengthen the ability of nonprofits to deliver services over the long-term. PAT was made possible by a generous
legacy gift from an anonymous donor whose life was devoted to helping others as a volunteer to nonprofits in Southern California.

WHAT: “Simply Maria, Or The American Dream” by Josefina Lόpez

WHEN: Friday, May 25, at 7pm, Saturday, May 26, at 7pm, Sunday, May 27 at 1pm

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